The Look of Love by Bella Andre (The Sullivans #1)
Contemporary Romance
Rerelease: May 28, 2013
Harlequin
Reviewed by Mandi
The self published Sullivan series has been out for some time now and I’ve heard a lot of talk about it. It is now being published through Harlequin and I received an arc in the mail so I thought I’d give it a shot.
Photographer Chase Sullivan has five brothers and two sisters. He lost his dad at the age of 10, and their model mother raised them all into one big happy family. While there always seems to be some chaos between them, they all love each other a lot. Leaving his mother’s birthday party in a bad storm, he sees a woman on the side of the road whose car has gone into a ditch. Stopping to help her, even though she is soaked and cold, Chase can’t deny how beautiful she is.
Chloe is on the run from her abusive ex. With a bruise on her face, she got in the car to get far away from him. It takes Chase a lot of convincing to let him help her, but she finally trusts him enough to get into his car. Chase drives her to his brother’s winery, where there is a guest house. Only planning on spending one night, Chloe finds herself staying as Chase is at the winery doing a photo shoot. The more she gets to know Chase and his family, the more she realizes she has a second chance at love.
The Sullivan family with all eight siblings appeal to me. Each one has a different career (firefighter, athlete, actor, librarian to name a few). We get introduced to all of them, but we are not overwhelmed by them either. The eldest, Max in particular has caught my attention. But coming back to Chase and Chloe, their romance is nice in this one, but maybe too nice. Chase literally falls in love with Chloe the moment he sees her. There really isn’t a conflict throughout the book, except for the fact Chloe has to learn to trust Chase.
With the lack of conflict comes a somewhat slow book. Chase is instantly in love. Chloe comes to terms with her ex-husband and falls for Chase. I do like the fact that both of these characters are kind. There are no asshats and it was a nice change. I still needed a little more oomph out of this one.
I’ve talked with some readers that say this series really hits its stride with book three so I’ll try the next couple to see if I like them better.
Rating: C+
Today I have a Beach Bag filled with fun items to giveaway. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US only. I’ll pick a winner on Saturday.
Also note: Visit Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks from May 22nd – May 31st and create your SUMMER OF LOVE Mixtape for a chance to win a trip for YOU and THREE friends to Las Vegas.
*No purchase necessary. Ends May 31, 2013.
Great review! I have had this on my wishlist for some time now, but for some reason kept putting off buying it. Although, like you, I have also heard this series really picks up after book 2 or 3, so maybe I will finally give it the chance it deserves.
Oh yea, thanks for the contest! ;)
Thanks for the fun review! I’m have some of Bella’s books in my TBR pile and I’m saving them for the pool!!!
I enjoy Bella’s books. Thanks for the review.
Great series!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
THANK YOU for SUPERB reviews and book recommendations!
The first 2 were def slow for me, but I really enjoyed 3-5 and 7, with #4, Sophie’s book, probably my favorite. I’m a sucker for the “best friend in love with the little sister” storyline everytime. I haven’t read Naughty’s book yet, but hope to soon. I love the family dynamic of the series
Thanks for the giveaway :)
Sounds like a great summer read!
I like this series, especially #5 and #6 :D
Thanks for the great review. I like the cover to Bella’s book. :)
Great review. I’ve had this series sitting on my kindle for awhile now and I’m definitely itching to read after reading that review.
Sounds like a good summer book. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Isn’t that a pretty cover? I’m really looking forward to starting this series!
Fun giveaway!
I agree that this series picks up and I am actually getting out of Texas and going to CA so this would come in handy at the beach.
Thanks so much!
Having love in my life would definitely make my summer more fun and loveable. Currently it is going to be boring.
Thanks for the honest review
I’ve enjoyed many of Bella’s erotic and contemporary romances. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
I have had this series on my TBR radar for ages! I would love to start reading them!
It’s great to see Bella Andre printed on paper!
I look forward to reading this series. I’ve read some of her books and loved them.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
I have some of these books on my Kindle but haven’t had a chance to read them yet. I have read some great reviews though :)
June
manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com
I haven’t read this series but I know a lot of people have enjoyed it.
I have the first two in this series, but haven’t gotten around to reading them yet. But I’m going to once the third book arrives and read all of them together.
This looks like it would make a great read! I love to spend the summer at the lake reading with my feet in the water.
Giveaways! yay!
I have several of her books in my TBR pile that I should get around to reading lol :-) Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I would love to read Bella’s books. I am always looking for new authors to read. She sounds good.
I always go to the end to see the ratings LOL. if its lower than a B+ I just skip HAHA. u guys always give good recommendations.
I can’t wait to get started on this series!! It looks like a great series. Thanks for the contest.
I recently found out that the first 5 books are re-published, and ordered them all, as I kept seeing great reviews about them. I am looking forward to reading those books. So far I have read and loved her hot firefighters books.